🏆 Alaska Wilderness — Spectacular waterfall on the Edgerton Highway — stunning cascading falls dropping through a narrow canyon of moss-covered rocks.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Alaska |
| Access | Check AK State Parks |
About Liberty Falls
Liberty Falls State Recreation Site on the Edgerton Highway near Chitina features a beautiful waterfall cascading through a rocky gorge. The site provides camping near the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park entrance — the largest national park in the United States at 13.2 million acres. The falls are a scenic rest stop on the road to McCarthy and the Kennicott copper mines.
Liberty Falls State Recreation Site along the Edgerton Highway provides camping near a beautiful waterfall where Liberty Creek cascades through a narrow canyon. The site serves as a staging area for the 60-mile McCarthy Road into Wrangell-St. Elias National Park — America’s largest national park at 13.2 million acres (six times the size of Yellowstone). The surrounding Wrangell Mountains contain 9 of the 16 highest peaks in the United States.
Things to Do
Viewing Liberty Falls from the observation platform, camping (10 sites), fishing, and using as a base for exploring Wrangell-St. Elias — America’s largest national park. The drive to McCarthy is one of Alaska’s greatest adventures.
Viewing Liberty Falls, camping, using as a base for Wrangell-St. Elias exploration, fishing, wildlife watching for bears and moose, and preparing for the McCarthy Road adventure into America’s largest national park.
Insider Tips
Roadside wonder: Liberty Falls cascades 100+ feet beside the Edgerton Highway — one of the most accessible waterfalls in Alaska. Pro tip: The viewing platform is wheelchair-accessible. Side trip: Continue on the Edgerton Highway to McCarthy and the Kennecott Mines in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park — the largest national park in the US at 13.2 million acres.
Best Time to Visit
June-August: Peak waterfall flow and best road conditions to McCarthy. May: Snowmelt produces maximum waterfall volume. Fall: Autumn colors against the white cascade. Winter: The falls may partially freeze — spectacular ice formations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kennecott?
The Kennecott Copper Mines (1911-1938) in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park produced $200 million in copper. The ghost town’s massive red buildings stand against glaciers — one of Alaska’s most photogenic destinations. Accessible by rough road from Chitina.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site is within about an hour’s drive, and Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site is elsewhere in the state.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Alaska state parks online at alaskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Liberty Falls State Recreation Site
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 9 feet required in developed facilities (campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, swim beaches, boat ramps).
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide pet ban on beaches; swim beaches count as developed facilities where the 9-foot leash rule applies.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- In the backcountry leashes are not required but pets must remain under voice control; in trapping areas (e.g. Chena River SRA) leashing is strongly advised for dog safety.
Are dogs allowed at Liberty Falls State Recreation Site?
Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.alaska.gov. More: Alaska state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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